Newport
News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, today
celebrated the keel laying of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN
79), the second ship of the Gerald
R. Ford class. Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the ship's
namesake, the 35th President of the United States, is the ship's sponsor.
She declared the keel "truly and fairly laid" via video to
signify the ceremonial start of construction.

John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

"The
aircraft carrier came of age in a time of conflict," Caroline said.
"It was untested, and the capabilities it brought were questioned.
Since those early days, the carrier has come to be recognized as a symbol
of peace, strength and freedom."

During the ceremony, Caroline's initials were welded onto a steel plate
by Leon Walston, a Newport News welder from Massachusetts. The plate
will be permanently affixed to the ship, signifying the sponsor's enduring
relationship with the shipbuilders and crew.

In his remarks, Stackley expressed the significance of aircraft carriers,
calling upon shipbuilders to recognize the importance of what they build.
"They are our nation's great instruments of security and …
of goodwill," he said. "In times of crisis, they are the first
to respond, and when called upon, they will deliver the final word in
the bidding of our nation. So let this great purpose serve as a constant
reminder—as inspiration to you, the men and women of Newport News
Shipbuilding—that shipbuilding is not just what you do; it is
who you are. And that building great ships—it is not just your
tradition; it is your duty."

Gov. McAuliffe emphasized the importance of John F. Kennedy's future
presence in the Navy fleet. "President John F. Kennedy was an inspiration
to all of us," he said, "so it is only fitting today that
we now have a U.S. President who now will have two aircraft carriers
named after him."

Rep. Joseph Kennedy spoke of the original USS John F. Kennedy and its
legacy that will continue with the new aircraft carrier. "USS John
F. Kennedy demonstrated strength to our enemies and support for our
allies," he said. "Today, as we lay the keel of CVN 79, the
next USS John F. Kennedy, we begin construction on a ship with the same
mission and the same spirit, but with new capabilities and a new generation."

Mulherin spoke of the shipbuilders constructing John F. Kennedy, highlighting
their commitment to ethics once emphasized by President Kennedy. "While
this aircraft carrier that we lay the keel for today will serve as a
tangible legacy of our nation's 35th President, so too will the people
behind the steel," he said. "When we say the greatest shipbuilders
in the world work right here, it isn't just because we build the most
sophisticated ships known to man. It's also because of the way in which
we build them. Our shipbuilders demonstrate ethics, integrity and courage
every day."

John F. Kennedy will be the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of
the 35th President. Crew members who served on the first John F. Kennedy
attended and were recognized during the ceremony. To conclude the event,
Yates, the first commanding officer of CV 67, signaled crane operators
to lift the aircraft carrier's engine room No. 2 unit into the dry dock
while more than 1,500 guests watched.